The Cleveland Browns are parting ways with linebacker Jamie Collins.
In a not so surprising move the Cleveland Browns are moving on from Jamie Collins. Collins tweeted his goodbyes to Cleveland Wednesday afternoon.
Apparently the Browns were attempting to trade the veteran linebacker for some time, but were unable to facilitate a trade.
Collins was acquired from New England for third round pick in 2016. After his half season in Cleveland, Collins signed a four-year $50 million contract. This contract had an out after 2018 and Cleveland chose to exercise that option. Collins was due to make $10 million in 2019 and $12 million in 2020.
This move is not purely based on money. While Jamie Collins was due make a lot of money, his performance on the field did not necessarily warrant a contract of that value. There are moments when Collins looks like a productive NFL linebacker. The problem is that there are moments where Collins does not appear to belong on the field. Whether it is a bad route to the ball or taking a play off, the performance of Jamie Collins is a mixed bag.
In his three seasons in Cleveland Jamie Collins combined for 204 total tackles, 29 of which went for a loss. Collins also managed seven sacks, seven pass defenses, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. 2018 was the most productive year for Collins in Cleveland, appearing in all 16 games and making 104 tackles, including four sacks.
With Jamie Collins now out in Cleveland the Browns have a glaring hole at the linebacker position. Cleveland needed to address this position with Collins on the roster, now with Collins gone this is now an urgent matter. It will be interesting to see how John Dorsey addresses this need in free agency, the trade market and the NFL Draft.
